Skimming Stones

Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley teach us, for example, making and flying a kite, making an elder whistle, damming a stream and building a den - and at the same time teach us about life.

Their techniques are intended to be not only of practical value but also techniques for meditation. They help us to live in the moment, recover ancient insights and rhythms and encourage nature to reveal to us her secrets and treasures. They write that '...there are forces deep in everyone's subconscious that find a pure expression in the simplest of activities. This book explains why we should be taking the time to do them. It is born out of a wish to share our passion for our landscape and the contemplative, reflective pleasures and joys that were well-known to our grandparents, but which are in danger of being lost and forgotten. They will help us get back to a place where we all belong'.

“'Two of the UK's most exciting nature writers. A thoughtful adventure in learning simple skills that help connect people to nature.'”

Two of the UK's most exciting nature writers. A thoughtful adventure in learning simple skills that help connect people to nature. - Guardian

Essential reading - Daily Express

'At its simplest their book gives advice on connecting with nature through twelve activities... but Skimming Stones delves deeper. Each section draws the reader lyrically into deeper philosophical waters... I was simply carried along by the authors' sense of awe, and their quiet belief that our lives can be enriched through a deeper connection with nature.' 4* - BBC Wildlife

It's a holistic approach to enjoying the outdoors and simple activities - something we should all learn... this re-awakening is long overdue. - Cumbria Magazine

The writing is well researched, if somewhat eclectic, and permeated with all the infectiousness of two boys going outdoors for the day on an adventure. - Countryfile

Laid out with an easy to read large-print text and a collection of sketches, this book encourages you to take out your walking boots and learn how to survive and have fun in the wild. - Yorkshire Ridings Magazine

A great book... it somehow manages to say something about nature that the rest of us can't. - Country Walking Magazine

Brilliant book - Huffington Post UK

Growing up on the Yorkshire Moors created a passion for the natural world that has been central in Rob's life ever since. Since graduating with first class honours from Leeds University, he has become a prolific writer and musician. His work has appeared in the Independent, Express, News of the World and Yorkshire Post and his songs on Radio 1, Radio 2 and 6Music, with Q describing his lyrics as 'worthy of John Betjeman'. Rob is married and lives in North London. For more information You can also follow Rob and Leo on Facebook and Twitter and @robandleo Leo was born and raised in London but always pined for the fresh sea air and wide-open spaces of the south west where he was taken on yearly holidays. Graduating from Christ's College, Cambridge having switched subjects from Natural Sciences to English Literature due to a lamentable lack of poetry in the former, he went on to start a company teaching kung fu, before a spell as a management consultant and web designer. He now writes and lives in West London. For more information You can also follow Rob and Leo on Facebook and Twitter and @robandleo

Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley teach us, for example, making and flying a kite, making an elder whistle, damming a stream and building a den - and at the same time teach us about life.Their techniques are intended to be not only of practical value but also techniques for meditation. They help us to live in the moment, recover ancient insights and rhythms and encourage nature to reveal to us her secrets and treasures. They write that '...there are forces deep in everyone's subconscious that find a pure expression in the simplest of activities. This book explains why we should be taking the time to do them. It is born out of a wish to share our passion for our landscape and the contemplative, reflective pleasures and joys that were well-known to our grandparents, but which are in danger of being lost and forgotten. They will help us get back to a place where we all belong'.

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